Former Alabama Defensive Back Brings His ‘Love for the Game’ to the Birmingham Stallions
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — When former Alabama defensive back Jalen “Jet” Matthews stepped onto the field for the Birmingham Stallions, it wasn’t just another game—it was a statement. A statement of perseverance, redemption, and his unwavering love for football.
Once a rising star at Alabama, Matthews was known for his explosive speed, instinctive playmaking, and a hard-hitting style reminiscent of NFL legends. But his college career was cut short under controversial circumstances—a targeting call in a pivotal SEC Championship game that not only got him ejected but also sparked heated debates about the rule itself. The play, which saw Matthews deliver a bone-jarring hit to a Georgia receiver, was widely dissected by analysts, with some calling it “textbook football” and others deeming it “reckless endangerment.”
That moment defined Matthews’ legacy, and for a while, it looked like it would derail his career entirely. His draft stock plummeted, and despite stellar Pro Day numbers, NFL teams shied away. Some scouts whispered about his aggressive style not translating to today’s evolving safety-first league. Others suggested that Matthews’ outspokenness about the targeting rule and player autonomy made him a risk for locker room harmony.
But the Birmingham Stallions saw something else: a player with unfinished business. A leader who refused to let one moment define his career.
“I play with passion,” Matthews said in his first Stallions press conference. “Football is violent, it’s emotional, and sometimes the rules try to take that away. But I’ll never stop loving this game, and I’ll never stop playing it the way I was taught.”
His debut with the Stallions was nothing short of electrifying. In a high-stakes matchup against the Houston Roughnecks, Matthews recorded eight tackles, two pass deflections, and a game-sealing interception. More importantly, he played with the fire that made him a fan favorite in Tuscaloosa—controlled aggression, calculated risks, and an undeniable energy that ignited his teammates.
Yet, the controversy surrounding his past never fully faded. A late-game hit on a Houston receiver sparked another round of debate. Was it a clean, hard-nosed play? Or did Matthews’ reputation precede him, making officials scrutinize him more than others?
For Matthews, the answer was simple. “I’m here to play football. I’m here to win,” he said postgame. “People can talk. I’ll just keep proving them wrong.”
Love him or hate him, one thing is undeniable—Jalen “Jet” Matthews isn’t just reviving his career in Birmingham. He’s redefining it.
